ATTENTION to my international customers – please contact me for current courier quotes if you want your book to arrive quickly. Another option is to order the book from Buteo Books (USA), Oryx Books (Barcelona, Spain) or NHBS Books (UK).  

Bird Anatomy for Artists, art book written and illustrated by Dr Natalia Balo, foreword by Dr Penny Olsen. Signed by the Artist.  Sold by the Artist! Will be signed to you personally (on request). Bird artist Natalia Balo gives helpful insight and useful advice on drawing and painting birds.  Natalia Balo is a multi-award winning figurative Australian Artist specialising in portraiture and wildlife painting, and professional Art teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience, with formal accreditation in Teaching Painting and Drawing (BFA - Art Education, with Distinction), MFA (Book Illustration), PhD (Natural History Illustration). Her fine art education in Ukraine (1976-1991), based on the historically famous curriculum of Classical Realism, provided her with the unparalleled skill in academic drawing, which today is a fundamental challenge for many artists. In Australia, Natalia had achieved her Doctoral degree completing an innovative research on Drawing Birds and Bird Anatomy for Artists, to which she dedicated six years (1999-2005). This research became the basis of Natalia's recently published book Bird Anatomy for Artists, which is now a university textbook, and is very popular among the bird watches, artists and bird lovers. The book opens with a foreword by famous Australian ornithologist Dr. Penny Olsen. For more information, please check the artist's website www.BFineArt.com.au

Review of the book by Dr. Trevor Weekes, University of Newcastle: 

For many years bird artists have been searching for an informative textbook on Bird Anatomy. Until now there have been very few books focusing on Bird Anatomy and drawing birds available, but now the search is over. Bird Anatomy for Artists has arrived! Bird Anatomy for Artists is a beautifully presented comprehensive survey of the complete bird from head to tail. The book is full of masterly illustrations that are clear and easy to understand, including black and white working drawings, examples of the artist field studies and exquisite colour illustrations. Every part of the bird's body is outlined in detail with informative text and helpful drawing instructions. Bird Anatomy for Artists is perhaps the most complete textbook available on this subject. I highly recommend this reference book not only for Artists, but for anyone interested in Birds.

Dr. Trevor Weekes Senior Lecturer/Convenor, Natural History Illustration School of Design, Communication and Information Technology

Customer Reviews – Ebay and Amazon: 

A must have book for artists and animators.

If you are an artist who is about to draw a bird, or an animator who wants to animate a bird, or a TD who is about to build a bird rig for 3d animation thus book is for you. It us full of useful and accurate information about anatomy of every bird. This book will tell you how a bird fillies and how it folds its wings, which in 3d animation is very important. The book is very well written. Every page of the book is filled with beautiful and detailed illustrations, and even if you are not an artist or an animator this book is great to have just because of them. Victor G., Melbourne, Australia.

Exquisite illustrations and superb text all beautifully bound in a hardcover.

Ever wondered how an artist accurately portrays a bird? This book will fill you in and you'll be amazed at the amount of information needed to illustrate a bird. I purchased Dr Balo's book as I am learning to illustrate birds and this book is an excellent source of information and inspiration. It isn't just applicable to artists, if you're interested in birds you will really appreciate the breadth and depth of Dr Balo's research. Some of the topics covered are skull construction, wing construction which includes movements of the wing, skeletal and muscular form; and everything else you want to know about birds. It is all accompanied by in-depth and accurate illustrations that enhance the text brilliantly.

I really appreciate that it's about Australian birds, however anyone anywhere will gain huge insight into the anatomy of any bird. A really impressive body of research and an absolute delight to read. Michael B., New York, US.

A Great resource for artists and TD's

I've now spend few weeks reading this book and it keeps surprising me with intricate details that I've never spotted earlier while browsing through other references. If you really want to understand how wings are constructed and how they fold, this is the book. Not only the wings, but also the tail folding, the feet mechanics and the whole skeleton is drawn and written down in a way you can't find my searching on google alone.

The book might be expensive compared to other bird related art books, but I find this justified as it has so much research in it, that you can't get by just drawing lots of birds. An alternative title could be bird mechanics or bird construction, which is essential if you need to animate or model birds in 3D. The book has a bit more text in it, but I find this as one of its strenghts as by reading the text, I can also read the pictures better and understand why something has evolved as it is.

To be fully clear, I bought this with my own money and I don't receive any benefits from this review.

Stuart C., Great Linford, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE UK

Exceeded my expectations

I was looking for a good book in how to draw birds. All the books I found in the subject before this one were very superficial but this one is really full of information and great drawings of everything you need to really understand birds in order to draw or paint them. It is not a book for beginners I would say. I love the fact that everything you read is important information and it relates very well to the diagrams, drawings and illustrations you see. I’m very happy I bought it and I totally recommend it. Filippe A., Chile

Illustrator’s review of ‘Bird Anatomy For Artists.’

I am a beginner Scientific Illustrator and have been studying botany and animals in online courses. When I was searching for a book on animal anatomy I noticed many had only a few pages on birds and their structure. My search fortunately led me to Natalia Balo’s book ‘Bird Anatomy for Artists.’

Bird Anatomy for Artists’ is a fabulous, accessible book researched, written and illustrated by Dr. Natalia Balo a highly accomplished artist. Having studied birds in detail internally, externally and behaviourally over an extensive period of time Natalia shares her intimate knowledge of her subject in a clear and practical way. This book can be used by any level of artist of any medium including photographers, animators and sculptors. Bird lovers will find it a great way to expand their understanding and appreciation of their favourite animals. Dr. Balo’s detailed illustrations and informative explanations lead you to understand the basis for head, body, wing and foot structures and positions. She helpfully notes how they vary from more familiar quadruped and human structure.

I highly recommend this book to any artist or bird lover wanting to know more about bird structure and function. Natalia’s explanations both written and visual will enable you to imbue your work with accurate form and movement as well as enhancing your skills to capture what it means to be a bird. From a fleeting representation of a bird to a deeply reflective portrait of these magnificent animals. Enjoy!

Aimee K., Orange, Australia

What a find

I didn’t realise when I ordered this book that it would be directly from the author. It is a beautifully produced book with content that is very difficult to find. Dr Balo’s illustrations are beautifully drawn and her writing is very clear. Highly recommended. Keith T., Twin Heads, QLD, Australia

Excellent resource, beautifully done.

Amazingly detailed book, beautifully presented. Covers pretty much everything an artist needs to know about a wide variety of birds. The drawings are beautiful, with just enough scientific details to help the artist understand the bird. Angel J., Paris, France

Excellent book

Beautifully informative book on bird anatomy.  Can highly recommend this book for anyone interested in birds, or who wishes to draw birds. Geoff K, Berlin, Germany

Unique resource for Bird Artists

This is the single most important book I have ever seen on the topic of drawing birds and really, drawing anything. It empowers the artist to fully understand the subject. I don’t see any other book living up to this standard. The author cares deeply and is passionate and it shows.

Richard G, Medina, OH, United States

Perfect anatomy book for artists focused on birds

Book goes into ways of constructing a bird and studying them from life, the important differences between them and how to tackle depicting such complex forms. I recommend watching Aaron Blaise review on YouTube, he's a veteran Disney animator that uses this book.

Wendy C., Narre Warren North VIC 3804, Australia

Wonderfully written and illustrated.

A beautiful, thorough book with everything an artist could possibly need to depict birds accurately in their work. I highly recommend this book. Tamara B., Moscow, Russia.

All you need to know about drawing birds

Beautifully presented with excellent information. Ramon A., Lisbon, Portugal.

Artist bird reference

Excellent reference for anyone interested in bird anatomy. Andrew S., Auckland, New Zealand.

Fabulous book, must have for bird painters and drawing

This book has been most helpful for me as I am studying Natural History Illustration at university and the skeleton and anatomical information has been invaluable. Margaret M., Sydney, Australia

A clear, concise review of bird anatomy

The book begins with an overview of the importance of sketching birds using a structural approach to thinking in terms of three dimensions or the volume of the bird. The chapters include the bird's body, construction of the head, the neck & trunk, the wings, the tail and the feet and legs. Each chapter explores the skeleton, the musculature and movement, construction & topography all as it relates to form and function. The line drawings are most informative. If you ever wondered what is going on under all those feathers, you will find the answers in this book. I highly recommend it!

Pat M., Amazon United States, January 29, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Feedback from customers (selection)

2021-09-30

 Hi Natalia,

 Many thanks for sending me your wonderful book so quickly. It arrived today and it is such a lovely publication with beautiful and helpful illustrations. During the first covid lockdown I started trying to draw birds and over the past two years my little drawings are getting better (but very basic) and I needed some more guidance and thought your book looked perfect. I saw your book recommended on a bird artist's instagram. I tried to locate who it was since you emailed me but I couldn't work out who it was as I follow a few bird artists on instagram, such as Craig Williams and Sally Edmonds. I really love Belinda Kurczok's work and went to see her exhibition in Hobart a few months ago.

 Thank you for your kind wishes and I hope you and your family are well during this pandemic.

 Thanks again for your kind email and for packing your book so well, it arrived in perfect condition. I am so pleased I decided to buy it and buying it direct from you and getting it signed has made it even more special.

Kindest regards,

Tracey

2021-08-20

 Hi Natalia,

Of course, I saw your book from a post on Instagram from someone I follow @the_illustrated_bird. I love drawing and painting birds and post these on my account @the.wells.of.fancy

 I researched the reviews on line for your book and loved the look of it from what I saw and I did see that great you tube video as well! :) That was what made me so excited to order a copy straight away (also a bonus when I saw that you are based in Australia!). I’m intrigued with your research and I have always had a pet bird over the years and been drawn to drawing birds, that now this is my focus and I sell my small custom pieces or just create for the joy of it!

 I would love the book to be signed (it’s a lockdown gift to myself, ha!). One of the benefits of being stuck at home I get more time to sit and create and try to use the time for positive thoughts because it does get overwhelming!

 Thank you so much again for the great message and I’m so excited to get the book.

Stay safe.x

 2021-08-08

Hi Natalia

Thanks for your reply and the amazing pics , once i receive the book i will post a review. As I intend for the design to be taken into a fully realised live action scene with animation it is probably a project months in the making.However i will post milestone updates via my Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/Donovan-Digital-174434852941025/) . In the meantime i have attached a few pics of a few initial anatomy sketches and the design in its earliest form, Hopefully they convey it is a departure from the classic hippogriff as no eagle forms are used. Instead its intended the creature will have a vultures head and the sleek profile of a frigate birds wings with maybe some bat wing traits included.I will look forward to continuing our correspondence in the future .Regards James Donovan

Hi Natalia,

Thank you for the kind message, I’ve been having some trouble with my eBay app and lot too sure if my previous reply went through to you? I’ll do a short version again below just in case :)

Yes I saw your book on an Instagram account that I follow @the_illustrated _bird and was so inspired after looking at the reviews for your book and Aaron’s YouTube video! I love creating bird art using colour pencils and watercolour paints. I’ve had no formal education but am so inspired by your book to improve my technique, my Insta is @the.wells.of.fancy and with these lockdowns there’s plenty of time at least on the weekends to draw and paint!

 And wow….pelicans!!!! Aren’t they those most gracious amazing and beautiful birds, that will be exciting to see what you come up with!

 Stay safe,

Fiona

Hello Natalia, I saw your book for the first time only yesterday and was so inspired I just had to buy it!! I belong to a small group of Botanical Artists who meet weekly on the NW coast of Tasmania. A few of us are passionate bird watchers who love to draw birds as part of our botanical compositions!  We share resources and this book was loaned to me by Hazel Britton who has owned your book for a while!! I just had to own it to add to my collection of other bird resources, such as the amazing William Cooper! Your book  will inform my practice! I also belong to a Facebook page of NHI101 - Drawing Nature, Science and Culture: Natural History Illustration which connects people who are undertaking a free online course with Newcastle University! I shall certainly add your book to their page! If you are ever in Tasmania, I know my group would love to meet you for a workshop or something similar!  (We could offer accommodation).  
I would be delighted for you to sign my book! I am called Ann by my friends! I have attached a pic of a painting (2017) of one of our delightful birds, the Yellow Throated Honey Eater who frequents the Hellebore patch in my garden! I think that your book would have really helped me to capture the essence of this lovely bird! 
   
   
Looking forward to receiving your beautiful book!
Very best wishes
Ann Hodgkinson, Tasmania

Hello Natalia, I'm doing a six week online certificate in Natural History Illustration through the University of Newcastle. Our current topic is mammal and bird drawing, at the end of each unit they suggest some extra reference material and you were one of those references. They posted a link to nhbs.com where your book is advertised at 79.99 pounds sterling (plus postage I think). Google was my friend, up you popped on Ebay and the rest you know :)

I think there are student numbers in the low thousands doing this certificate, so you may have a bit of an influx of orders. There seems to be a large percentage from Australia, but there are also students from all over the world. I'm happy to ask if they'll publish your Ebay or webpage link if you want?

A signed copy of your book would be fabulous, thanks!

Kind regards,
Marianne Kerby, Camira, QLD

Dear Natalia,
Sorry about my English but I only speak a little.
I have known your book thanks to an on-line course on Natural History Illustration from the University of Newcastle, where it is recommended. I found it very useful to understand the anatomy of the birds. I'm an artist and in my personal projects I like to draw birds, both in naturalistic illustrations and in other more artistic ones. I think that your book explains very well the anatomy of the birds and I verified that it has good reviews and I decided to buy it. Of course I would love it if you sign the book.
Best regards,
Ana Beltran, Spain

 Dear Natalia,

Oh..far out !! I didn't realise I was buying from the author direct ! I will treasure my copy being signed .. THANK YOU💐.

Your magnificent book is one of the recommendations of further reading on my 1st foray into tertiary studies (in my 50's) : Natural History Illustration 101 through the Uni of Newcastle via the edX platform (MOOC). We are in our 2nd last week of the online course & I elected to pay for a verification certificate, (which I will be proud of). Your book will be most valuable to me, from what I have seen in preview pages.

I came to the course through the suggestion of a very good friend, who knows my love of drawing and all things natural. I had no idea I would learn so much more than drawing; already those abilities & my observational skills are vastly improved. The late great William T. Cooper is also an ongoing inspiration - I only wish I had the opportunity to meet him as he lived in our region.
Again, thank you for making my copy of your book extra special & for bringing it into being, to inspire & educate many !
Gratefully, Lauren Benefield, Yangaburra, QLD.
PS Apologies if you receive this reply to your email twice. Wasn't sure you would get the original email.

Dear Natalia
I have tried to reply via eBay but seem to be having difficulty so I apologise If you receive 2 emails from me .
I have just received the book, thank you for sending it so quickly, and I couldn’t wait to look
Through it.  It is such an informative book and so beautifully illustrated.  
I look forward to reading it from cover to cover.
It is a truly inspirational text.
Thank you for your note and for signing my copy.
Kind regards
Sarah Kelsey, Victoria

I am a Masters level wood sculptor/carver. I carve mostly birds and some mammals.   I heard about your book from my friend Keith Mueller who is a famous wood carver.   Even though I have a degree in Biology and worked at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural Histroy in the Division of Birds, I find your book a great resource for anatomy.   This will help me with my own carving as well as with my students.     
I would appreciate a signed copy of your book.  Thank you for asking me. 
Art  Wolff

Dear Natalia
I wanted to let you know that my wife, Patrizia, says your book is wonderful. She appreciates very much the parts in which the anatomy of the birds (skeleton) is illustrated because this helps a lot to draw a new bird.
She will be very happy to know when you will publish your new book!
We could not see the pictures you sent us, maybe they were not uploaded by ebay. We also leave you our email:
marpenj@gmail.com
Thanks again. Any good for you!
Marco and Patrizia